Motorcycle Packing List for Long Distance Riding
Whether you ride a bag-equipped cruiser, an all-out adventure bike, or a classic tourer, it is very likely that one day you will take to the road for a long tour. Motorcycles have a way of tempting riders to chase the horizon. If you are smitten by the motorcycle tour bug, you will want to know what you should bring along with you so that your trip is one of memorable and pleasurable events instead of continually feeling unprepared. The best way to ensure that you leave nothing behind which you will need out on the road is to have a prodigious and all-inclusive packing list – just like this one.
Included here are items which many riders have learned over years of experience are essential to having a good journey. Now, not all of what is listed will be required for everyone. The concept is to present the ultimate catalog of items garnered from people who tour on a motorcycle regularly, and then let you whittle it down to what you wish to or must carry. This will be based mostly on personal preferences, the type of trip you have planned as well as where you will go and when you will ride there. Look closely at what is contained within this document and use it as a guide for your next motorcycle world tour. Motorcycle
The items here are those which will be used on or affixed to the motorcycle which will take you on your tour. Keep in mind that several of these are now included with certain stock motorcycles, so not all will apply to your situation. Also, if your trip is short, some of this will be superfluous. If your journey is to be very long, however, most will be indispensible.
Luggage(saddlebags, tank bag, other bags):
Good Tank Bag Better Tank Bag Best Tank Bag Saddlemen Tank Bag E-Pak Joe Rocket Hammerhead Tank Icon Urban Tank Bag Bag
Features: Features: Features:
Water-resistant 420 denier ripstop Sized to be used with modern 1000D Nylon construction construction smart phones Wind and water-resistant Four high power magnets Strong magnets Extra wide magnetic mount Neoprene helmet carrier / tank Weather resistant pouch system protector Rubberized pouch back protects Window GPS pocket Contoured, padded shoulder straps
Tail Bag Good Tail Bag Better Tail Bag Best Tail Bag OGIO Tail Bag Cortech Super 2.0 24-Liter Nelson-Rigg CL-1040-TP Jumbo Tailbag Tail Bag
Features: Features: Features:
Heat sealed see-through top Quick-release mounting Easily mounts to most tail map pocket system sections and seats Rain hood Easy access, top loading Tri-Max® ballistic nylon Reflective exterior logos and main compartment Protective material prevents piping Phoslite reflective striping and slipping or marking Removable cinch strap bike logo Made from Tri-Max® ballistic attachments 1680 denier ballistic polyester nylon
Saddlebags
Good Saddlebag Better Saddlebag Best Saddlebag Nelson-Rigg SPRT-50 Touring OGIO Saddle Bags Cortech Super 2.0 36-Liter Saddlebags Saddlebags
Features: Features: Features:
Lightweight EVA molded Heat-resistant silicone Protective heat shield on lower section foam panels impregnated bottoms of bags and back piping Accommodates swept Textured Neoprene pad for paint Phoslite reflective piping exhausts protection Protective non-slip, non scratch Heat resistant under panels Easy attach web mounting system diamond pattern Top quality UV-treated Tri- 220 cubic inches of expansion 1680 denier ballistic polyester Max® nylon volume on each side
GPS Systems
Good GPS System Great GPS System Garmin Zumo 660LM GPS Garmin Zumo 665LM GPS
Features: Features:
Advanced 3D navigation XM Satellite information Lane assist with junction view Bluetooth wireless technology Bluetooth wireless technology Advanced 3D navigation Rugged, waterproof design Rugged, waterproof design
GPS Mounts
Good GPS Mount Best GPS Mount RAM Mounts Universal Finger Firstgear Laguna GPS Tank Bag With Backpack Grip Holder With U-Bolt Mount
Features: Features: High-strength composite and powder-coated marine-grade Attaches to bike with straps, magnets or suction aluminum cups 1" rubber ball "B" size Reflective piping Four flexible rubber coated Crafted from ultra-durable 1680D nylon fingers grip your device collapses when not in use Mount to both the brake/clutch reservoir
Cover
Good Motorcycle Cover Better Motorcycle Cover Best Motorcycle Cover Nelson-Rigg UV-2000 1/2 Cover Show Chrome Universal Half CoverMax Half Motorcycle cover Cover
Features: Features: Features: Lightweight, all-weather, UV-treated nylon Ideal for traveling water-proof cover Heat sealed seams - 100% Covers seat, windshield and Waterproof heat sealed waterproof front of bike seams Snug elastic bottom Expandable windshield pocket Elasticized bottom for snug fit 1 year warranty Universal fit Reinforced grommets sewn into cover
Bungees
Good Bungee Better Bungee Best Bungee BikeMaster Heavy Duty 4-Hook Adjustable Cargo Net Klim Tie Down - Black Bungee
Features: Features:
Features: 1-1/8" 100% nylon webbing Adjustable netting Dual locking clips on the 6 removable plastic hooks to Heavy Duty hooks adjust size 4-hook bungee system Soft-end lock to protect 15" x 15" unstretched handlebars 36" x 36" stretched Length: 24" to 78"
Lock/Security System
Good Lock System Better Lock System Best Lock System Xena X2 Disc-Lock Deemeed Grenade Motorcycle Kryptonite Kryptodisc Lock - Disc Lock Chrome
Features: Features:
Features: Made from molded, hand- Lifetime key registration and polished zinc replacement Two attack points Disc lock is equipped with a Made from the strongest 14 mm double-locking pin patented anti-drill-proof lock forged steel to resist cutting, tumbler mechanism sawing freezing, and chisel Ultra-high level security attacks. Sportbike fit profile Mounts on most bikes that have ventilated brake discs Fits all discs with an opening of at least 10 mm in diameter 50,000 coded key variations and 2-1/2" from outside edge
Tool Kits
Good Tool Kit Best Tool Kit BikeMaster 17-Piece Tool Kit CruzTOOLS Roadtech M3 Metric Tool Kit
Features: Features:
Open ended wrenches: 11, 8, 10, 12, 14 mm combination 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 mm wrenches sizes Mini ratchet and 2" extension 10 mm combination wrench Hex key set (3, 4, 5 and 6 6" adjustable wrench mm) 3/8" drive ratchet wrench 6-in-1 screwdriver
Tire Repair Kit
Good Tire Kit Better Tire Kit Best Tire Kit BikeMaster Tire And Tube Flat Tubeless Tire Plugger With Co2 Genuine Innovations Tire Repair Repair Kit & Inflation Kit
Features: Features: Features: Covers tubes and tubeless repair Seals from inside/out Includes tire plugs, tube Repair punctures without Comes complete with patches, patches, glue, tire reamer, dismounting tire from wheel plugs, plug insertion tool, hole plug installation tool, monster cleaner, glue, pressure wheel Complete with CO2 to re- air chuck with surface preparation tool inflate tire and knife for plug trimming Two 45g threaded CO2 Compact 22 ounce, 8" x 4" x cartridges Includes 4 CO2 Compressed 1" size air cylinders and an air valve
Roadside Cleaning
Good Roadside Cleaner Better Roadside Cleaner Best Roadside Cleaner Plexus Plastic Cleaner .5 oz BikeMaster Compressed Towelettes - 50 S100 Cycle Care Gift Set Pack
Features: Features: Features: With just a little water, each Ideal protection for helmet expands back to its full size shields, windshields, Contains: 500 ml Total Cycle Manufactured from sunglasses and goggles Cleaner, drying towel, finish compressed fabric with 70,000 restorer, corrosion protectant, Special formula leaves a pounds of pressure lustrous, anti-static, antifog detail wax, yellow sponge finish that resists finger prints Supplied with a 10-piece carrying tube
Chain Oil/Wax
Good Chain Wax Best Chain Wax Maxima Chain Wax - 5.5oz Maxima Chain Guard Chain Lube
Features: Features:
Eliminates "fling-off" and seals Race-proven protection lubricant to chain Waterproof and heat resistant Special paraffin base creates waxy film Excellent rust and corrosion protection Excellent rust protection Extends chain and sprocket For O-ring and conventional life chains
Other items to consider taking with you:
Spare key(s) Extra oil Spares (bulbs, fuses, etc.).
Motorcycle Riding Gear
This selection is for what you will wear on the motorcycle trip. You probably already have most of this, but you may find that a newer piece of gear is better suited to your intended destination. Remember, though, that if you do buy new gear, break it in before the journey so that no comfort or compatibility issues hamper your riding enjoyment.
Packable Rain Gear
Good Packable Rain Gear Better Packable Rain Gear Best Packable Rain Gear REV'IT! Acid H2O Rain Pants REV'IT! Nitric H2O Rain Jacket Alpinestars Quick Seal Out 2- Piece Rain Suit
Features: Features: Features: Includes transport bag, hood Taped seams PVC-free, EN343 certified with easy inside-collar storage Stows away in its own Adjustment tab at ankles 100% polyester (100% convenient carry bag PVC-free PWR|Oxford with polyurethane coating)/lining: Strategically placed reflective polyurethane coating outer 100% polyester details shell Laminated reflection at upper Dual front flap design helps 100% waterproof arms seal elements out 100% waterproof
Backpacks
Good Backpack Better Backpack Best Backpack Dainese Backpack-R - Black Alpinestars Commuter Backpack OGIO No Drag Mach 5 Backpack - Black
Features: Features: Features: Combination of water resistant Aerodynamic molded exterior Internal waterproof 840D ballistic nylon twill and design polyurethane coating 420D honeycomb nylon Reflective safety piping and Nylon fabric Laptop compartment, audio logo for 360 degree visibility Reflective inserts port, internal organizers, Ergonomic and deluxe padded Expandable construction for external side pockets storage back panel full-face helmet transport Self-locking waterproof zipper Weather-resistant molded on main compartment exterior shell
Ear Plugs
Good Ear Plugs Best Ear Plugs Hearos Super Hearos Ear Filters Hearos Xtreme Ear Plugs 14 Set
Features: Features: Package of 16 with carrying case Pack of 14 NRR 32 protection Super soft foam BMW magazine rated NRR 33 protection HEAROS the "Best" ear protector for riders
Clothing
This section is fairly self-explanatory. The important part of choosing proper clothing is to check the weather along your trip path and at your destination. You do not want to be over or under-dressed for any events, either. Try to find garments which are multi-purpose to save room in your luggage.
Underwear
Good Underwear Better Underwear Best Underwear Held Megalight Base Layer Pants Firstgear TPG Basegear REV'IT! Women's Violet Shirt Shortsleeve Top
Features: Features: Features: Outer shell made from Megalight (78% polyamide, UV 50+ protection from sun 22% polyester) Purpose-built for summer use Releases 80% of its moisture Knitted with 3D seamless Moisture wicking function after 30 minutes of rest technology Antibacterial finish All seams flat-stitched emperature regulating Polyamide outer shell Heat-release mechanism Antibacterial and deodorizing effect
Shirts
Good Shirts Best Shirts MotoSport Logo T-Shirt One Industries Medford Long Sleeve Plaid Shirt
Features: Features:
100% pre-shrunk cotton 100% Cotton Screen printed MotoSport.com Yarn dyed plaid long-sleeved logo shirt
Pants
Good Pants Better Pants Best Pants One Industries Women's See One Industries Women's Alpinestars Drifter Pants Thru Shorts Rockstar Star Power Pants
Features: Features: Features:
60% Cotton/35% 100% cotton Elastic waistband and Polyester/5% Spandex drawcord Mid-weight, denim, five-pocket Ribbed waistband Back patch pocket jean Adjustable draw-cord 58% cotton/38% poly/4% 16" bottom opening Contrast stitching on waist rib Spandex fleece Straight fit and lower leg
Sweater or Pullover
Good Sweater/Pullover Better Sweater/Pullover Best Sweater/Pullover MotoSport Hoody One Industries Icon FZ Hooded Metal Mulisha Women's Janis Fleece Jacket Zip Fleece Hoody
Features: Features: Features: 80% cotton / 20% polyester 90% cotton/10% polyester 240-gram fleece Kangaroo-style hand-warmer 80% Cotton / 20% Polyester Zip-up pocket at front waist Novelty media pocket 100% jersey lining for hood Drawstring, double-layer hood construction and body Stretch material at cuffs and Zip-up fleece Contrast side panels with bottom hem engineered screens
Windbreaker Jacket
Good Windbreaker Better Windbreaker Best Windbreaker 2014 Fly Racing Pit Jacket Icon 1000 Hoodlux Softshell 2013 Klim Women's Whistler Jacket Jacket
Features: Features: Features: Stretch woven 330-gram Lightweight outer shell softshell fabric bonded to construction 100% windproof polar fleece interior Water resistant and Highly water resistant Modified raglan fit with drop breathable tail and pit zips Highly breathable Hoody-style inner sleeve cuff Synthetic leather elbow Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff Two zippered hand warmer, patches closures two front cargo pockets Snorkel hood
Walking Shoes/Sandals
Good Walking Shoes/Sandals Better Walking Shoes/Sandals Best Walking Shoes/Sandals Alpinestars Substance Sandals Speed & Strength Women's Alpinestars Joey WP Shoes Wicked Garden Shoes
Features: Features: Features: Wax treatment on outer shell for waterproofing Nubuck upper strap with woven polyester inner strap Perforated leather and textile Waterproof membrane lining ensures feet remain dry Anatomical arch support with upper brushed and textured EVA Anti-slip rubber outsole Dual density ankle protectors on lateral and medial sides footbed Molded internal toe and ankle Custom Astars patterned reinforcements Reinforced internal toe box rubber outsole and heel counter gives strategic support and impact performance
Hats/Visors
Good Hat/Visor Better Hat/Visor Best Hat/Visor Alpinestars Trainer Beanie MotoSport Flexfit Hat Fly Racing Trooper Beanie
Features: Features: Features: Flat embroidery, 3D 6-panel mesh cap Flexfit 210 embroidery with nylon backing blend twill Black or Grey color Acrylic Pre-curved bill One size fits most One size Fitted
Sunglasses
Good Sunglasses Better Sunglasses Best Sunglasses Zan Headgear South Dakota River Road Kickback Sunglasses Oakley Oil Rig Sunglasses Sunglasses
Features: Features: Features: Wrap styling Blocks wind on Plutonite lens filters out 100% the road Foam padding for added of all UV 100% polycarbonate frames comfort Clarity and impact protection and lenses Soft touch frames meet ANSI Z87.1 standards 100% UV protection Anti-fog coating Built with lightweight O Shatter resistant Matter®
In addition to these items consider packing the following along for your trip:
Suit jacket/blazer Casual socks Swimsuit Contact lenses or glasses
Toiletries
Small items which you need to keep up your hygiene and grooming duties are listed here. There are some motorcycle-specific items which do differ from any other form of travel, so take care to think about the ride itself and any common issues you experience when on a bike for a long period of time.
Consider packing these items for your trip:
Pharmaceuticals (anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, pain meds, regular meds) Bug repellant Soap Shampoo Deodorant Female sanitary items Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss Grooming supplies (razor, shaving cream, nail clippers, etc.) Safe sex bits Washcloth, towel, anti-monkey butt powder
Information and Connectivity
Since you will be far from home, it is a very smart idea to carry your important information with you on the trip. It is also wise to have a way to communicate with the world should you get hopelessly lost or need to let someone know where you are. You will also be presented with many opportunities to take photographs and record what you see along the journey, prepare for it. While on the road, some music may be helpful for the more boring super-slab portions. The items here will help you with all of these needs and check out our wallets to help you carry some of these items:
Passport/ID Vehicle insurance card Bike registration Credit card, cash or traveler's checks Tickets to any events Camera Binoculars Mobile phone Maps Guide books Printed directions Affinity cards (Safeway, Albertsons, etc.) MP3 player Laptop, tablet GPS (mentioned above, but important if not attached to bike) Pen or pencil
Wallet
Good Wallet Better Wallet Best Wallet Alpinestars Spencer Custom Wallet FMF SmallBlock Wallet Icon Leather Wallet
Features: Features: Features: 100% genuine leather Custom faux leather bi-fold wallet Multiple card slots 100% polyurethane Interior offers cash pocket, 2 slip pockets, 4 card Cash pocket Bi-fold wallet pockets, and ID viewer Emergency information badge
Camping
Should the motorcycle tour involve sleeping outside, away from stuffy same-y hotels and motels, here are some camping items which will help to keep you warm, happy and safe. Even if you do a hybrid trip where there are some rented rooms and some nights under the stars, much of this will make that easier to accomplish and far more comfortable.
Lighting (flashlight, candles, lantern):
Good Lighting Best Lighting CruzTOOLS Superbright 9 LED BikeMaster LED Flashlight Flashlight
Features: Features:
Nine LEDs provide extremely Ultra bright white light bright illumination Very long battery life (3 AAA More natural hue than batteries) incandescent bulbs Satin chrome finish Unique canister holds three Water-resistant (sealed with AAA batteries O-rings)
In addition to lighting consider taking along these items:
Tent Sleeping bag, sleeping pad / air mattress Collapsible chair Ground cloth Pocket knife (or multi-tool) Firestarter (matches, lighter) Saw or hatchet Eating utensils Camping dishes Cook stove TOILET PAPER!
Foodstuffs
Taking some food along on the tour is a very good idea as there are many areas where you will find next to nothing in terms of eating. Plus, for the simple fact that the human body also needs fuel to run and to stay alert, capable and coordinated, you need to eat and drink. Of course, if you plan on camping for most of the trip, you may want to bring along a good selection of foodstuffs for preparing over a campfire.
Hydration pack
Good Hydration Pack Better Hydration Pack Best Hydration Pack 2013 Klim Fuel Pak - Black 2013 OGIO Dakar 100 Pack Geigerrig Shuttle Hydration Pack
Features: Features: Features: 3 liter bladder made from 70 ounce bladder Main compartment holds up to BPA-free polyurethane film Quick-release valves for 3 liters Two external side pockets drinking tube 3 liter Hydrapak® hydration Clear TPU window for 100% heavy-duty 840 ballistic reservoir included displaying ID, trail map or lift nylon Anti-microbial pass Removable Waist and BPA and PVC free Tailored paneling to control Shoulder Straps slosh and bladder movement
Bring along the following in addition to water:
Snacks Coffee Hot chocolate Condiments.
Maintenance/Emergency
Bad stuff happens – it’s just a simple fact of travel. Be prepared for it by taking some of the items below with you on your motorcycle tour. For almost all of these, it is always better to have it and not use it than to need it and not have it. Most of this will fit in your wallet or tank bag, so there is no excuse to leave something at home which could save your butt.
First Aid Kit
Good First Aid Kit Best First Aid Kit Klim Ultralight Watertight First RotopaX First Aid+Preparedness Aid Kit Pack
Features: Features:
(50) 3/4" x 3" adhesive plastic (4) 3 x 3 Sterile dressings bandages (4) 2 x 2 Sterile dressings Bug repellant (2) Afterbite sting relief (25) 3/4" x 3" fabric bandages (3) Antibiotic ointment (1) Burn relief pack, 3.5 grams
Also bring along the following:
Medical insurance card Locator device (i.e. SPOT) Duct tape Extra batteries Flashlight (see Camping section) Sunscreen Superglue Zip-ties or cord for tying objects in place AAA or other roadside assistance card List of dealers or shops along the way.
Conclusion
The motorcycle tour list here is fairly long and includes several optional items which may not suit your plans for a motorcycle tour. Keep in mind that this is merely a guideline to assist you in finding what you will require. You will find that experience is the best teacher. As you do more and more long distance travel by motorcycle, you will develop your own list which more closely matches your needs, wants and your personality. Write it down and keep it somewhere that you will always be able to find it. The human mind loves lists because then it does not have to recall everything on its own; take advantage of this and prepare yourself well for your journey to the horizon and beyond!
Written By: JC Current